THE USE OF EDTA TO ENHANCE THE EFFICACY OF NISIN TOWARDS GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA

Research has indicated that exposure of Gram-negative bacteria to chel ating agents sensitises them to nisin. Using Pseudomonas fluorescens a s an example of a Gram-negative bacterium, this paper reports the bact ericidal effect of combinations of nisin and ethylenediaminetetraaceti c acid (EDTA). In buffer solutions, significant bactericidal effect wa s demonstrated. The effect was shown to be more pronounced at temperat ures above 20-degrees-C and was largely negated in the presence of var ious food substrates.